Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Thoughts on desktop computer upgrade

Three years ago when I came to the U.S., one of the things that kept me sane was our desktop computer with high-speed internet service. Back in the PI when I used to own a 256-mb RAM computer with a dial-up connection that sucks, I’d say a 1GB RAM computer with a powerful internet connection was a tremendous improvement. A year after, when I started blogging and doing multiple computer tasks such as uploading photos, downloading music and videos, using Photoshop for photo-editing, along with doing random researching, I realized our old desktop computer couldn’t keep up with my online activities. Then hubby got me an HP laptop with a 4GB RAM and it had worked excellently for me. Occasionally, I still get to use our old computer but it no longer has the same appeal to me than it had 3 years ago. Hubby had thought about getting a new set after too many inconvenient crashes while in the midst of playing his computer games and I think it’s a good idea to upgrade but unfortunately, it has not been on top of the priority list yet. With just about anything major that we’d like to buy, we always like to know what other people think about the product so when we’re ready to seriously consider of getting a new computer, I think it will help us with our decision to read desktop computer reviews on the internet. Probably along with the computer upgrade is the need to purchase a new computer table as well. A touch-screen computer monitor might just be a luxury but it wouldn’t hurt to canvass those too. My DIL owns one and he’s got the fastest computer unit I have ever seen. However, as of now, I’m happy with the performance of my laptop so if hubby doesn’t think we need to upgrade yet then definitely it can surely wait.

Monday, July 26, 2010

A different world back then

I’d say students in today’s generation are fortunate because of the influx of affordable and user-friendly technological gadgets. Looking back, I didn’t own a cellphone until after I graduated from college and had a job. I remember I used to drool over the bulky Nokia 5110 that one of my college professors used to own and told myself when I get a job, my first project is to buy a Nokia 8210 phone. Unfortunately, it got snatched away by some bystanders a few months after I bought it on my way home, tsk. tsk. tsk. I was able to buy a new one a few months after though. When I was still in school, I didn’t know a thing about laptops, audio and mp3 players and stuff. All I know is that they’re expensive and we can’t afford them, hehe. My point is it’s a different world back then. My youngest sister got to have her first cellphone when she was in grade school. She’s a Nursing student and she has a laptop for her school needs. I’m glad in a way that the world has drawn to be high-techie, and probably a better one for the younger generation.

However, the situation back in my country about snatchers, holduppers and muggers apparently hasn’t changed. While it has become easier nowadays to acquire these cool gadgets, it has also become easier for the bad guys to steal your precious belongings in a blink of an eye. So I’ve always reminded my sister not to carry anything valuable when she leaves for school. If it’s inevitable and she really has to bring her phone or laptop with her, I told her not to hesitate and just give them what they want. Things are replaceable, but life is not. I came across with an information about student laptop insurance once while I was googling something on the internet. I thought it’s nice to have insurance policies that cover small personal belongings like laptops and IPads. Your stuff will be protected from accidental damage, liquid damage and drops, theft, fire, vandalism and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and hurricanes to name a few. Although, this might not be available in the PI yet but it’s great to have this option someday.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Never too early to think about presents

I find it especially hard to think of something to give as a present to males. I’ve always had this problem when Christmas and birthdays come and time to get hubby, dad, DIL or even BIL a present. I don’t think they’ll appreciate clothes and accessories, so I always consider personalizing their gifts. It’s a little bit difficult if you don’t know the person well, since you know less about his interests and stuff. But most men are into sports or at least appreciate certain kinds of sports so it might help to know what sport they like and get something like personalized basketballs, golf sets or even working tools. In a few months time, it's Christmas so get your creative thoughts flowing and be ready for gift-shopping.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

It's a baby boy!

Our first little angel is gonna be a boy! We were told by the doctor from our previous 2 ultrasound appointments. Initially, I had wished for a girl. Hubby didn't care whether it's a boy or a girl as long as the baby will be healthy and safe. And I agree with him. We'll still love the baby no matter what gender. Now, the fun part is deciding what to name our precious baby. Hubby and I can't agree on a name, hehe. I'd like to name him modern-sounding names but whatever names I suggested, hubby's immediate response was "No, it sounds gay!" Hmmp! We wouldn't have problems if it were a girl since we've agreed on the name Ashley Rae, but deciding a boy's name is quite challenging. Hubby likes old, traditional and some biblical names like Timothy, James, Paul, Joshua... while I, on the other hand, like the sound of Cameron, Caleb, Ethan, Nathan, Cody, Riley. We have not come up with a final name yet, but in the meantime, we both call him "little Timmy". At least, we still have 4 months to agree about the official name but I just couldn't believe how difficult it can be to come up with a baby's name especially if you were to consider the inputs of your immediate family members like your mom and sisters as well. But it's been fun so far. When we're in bed, we'd always brainstorm and think of names but nothing in consensus just yet. Anyway, here's some glimpse of our little boy in my belly.




Thursday, July 15, 2010

One of the many sleepless nights

I’ve been having a difficult time trying to get some sleep at nights lately. It could have been from my irregular pattern of sleep. I slept in most of the time especially on weekdays. Another reason I can think of is my growing belly. I can’t seem to find a comfortable position. Oh I really hope our new bed will be delivered now. They promised us by the end of July but it feels like it’s taking forever. I am really counting on it that it will make me feel so much better at night. Anyway, on sleepless nights, I hate to always toss and turn as it will wake hubby up so sometimes I’d get up and get a glass of milk or watch some cartoons or even use the computer. I’m not very wild about the third option for I feel like I’ve seen the whole internet already twice, lol, since on daytime that’s what keeps me busy. But in times like this, I’m left with no other good options. One time something about a tree Irvingia Gabonensis, native to West Africa caught my attention. The fruit as I’ve read is similar to mango and is used for food. But according to modern science breakthrough, the seeds show promise in helping lose weight because of its high fiber content. Well, science is really amazing. But I wonder if like any other products, what are the irvingia gabonensis side effects arising from it.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Bonding with Pinays at Bull Shoals Lake

I know it's been a while since I've shared some interesting personal posts here on my blog. I don't want to make excuses so I will flat out admit that I kind of lose interest in blogging for a while. It could be from the crazy hormones brought by my pregnancy, nonetheless, I couldn't give up blogging for good. I just hope that despite my long absence, I still have readers and loyal friends who would still find the interest to know the latest about me.

I'm sure I have mentioned before that I found new Filipina friends in town. We still keep in touch every once in a while. A month ago, they gave me a surprise visit and asked if I would love to join them swim and hang out in Bull Shoals Lake. I can't swim and I have no interest to even jump in the water especially in my condition but I know I would enjoy being with familiar faces and to get out of the house once in a while. So I didn't think twice, I joined them. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to get ready. I just put on some clean clothes and off we went. I offered to be their official photographer on that day since I don't want to swim anyway and was not in the mood to be included in the picture taking, lol. So sorry you can't find me in the photos. But I promise to share some latest pics of me soon to give you an idea how bigger I have become, hehe. Anyway, I was glad I got out of the house and breathe some fresh air. The weather was awesome on that day, it wasn't too hot for me. I made hubby a little worried though because it was impromptu and he was at work so he came home with an empty house. I called home a few minutes after he arrived from work so everything was cleared up. I don't go out alone that often so he worries a lot but he likes for me to have fun with Filipinas even without him.

The placid lake of Bull Shoals

Some teenagers just chillin' out by the lake shore

Here's my Filipina friends

Other swimmers

"Sima-sima"

"Chika-chika"

Friend Nylor with our cute little girl "Brandy"

Oops, one night I crave for pusit and nilat-ang baboy so I made some for dinner. It was yummy. Glad I have the energy lately to cook some foods that I crave.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Thoughts on burglar alarms

I was up a little later than usual last night. I couldn’t get my mind off the details of a true crime story book that I was reading. It’s about a gruesome murder of two women in their 20’s inside their own house in Napa Valley, California. I know we’re in a safe neighborhood in this small community but I can’t help but worry that some random acts of violence could possibly happen just about anywhere in the world. For some reason, I felt I was no longer safe in our own house last night. I don’t usually turn on the lights when I had to get up in the middle of the night for bathroom trips but it was different last night. Not only did I turn on the night lamp but I woke up hubby to tell him I’m going to the bathroom to pee, lol. I shouldn’t have been reading books of this kind but what can I do, it’s a genre I’m interested to read.

While I was desperately trying to get some sleep last night, I had thoughts about whether it’ll be practical to install an effective security system in the house. Many people have done this and if this would make your family safer and secured, I’d say there’s nothing wrong about the idea. I believe there are so many different kinds of burglar alarms in the market that deciding which one to get can be difficult at times. A lot of websites give helpful tips and buying guides for first time or reluctant buyers like me. I would say most companies would even assist you with the installation process. It feels good to know that you've taken extra steps to ensure the safety of your belongings and of course your loved ones.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Feeling better

I don’t know if it’s just me but I have noticed on my first trimester that I did feel sick whenever I take my prenatal multivitamins. Someone suggested that I should try to take them in the evenings instead before going to bed. That’s what I do now and so far, it has been working well. I don’t skip taking my vitamins because I know how important it is for me and the baby. I’m just glad that second trimester has been going well for me. I get occasional mild headaches but nothing that can’t be cured by a nap or 1 Tylenol gel cap.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Putting up weight each week

I am currently 19 weeks far along and now weighs 130 lbs. I’ve been putting up weight lately and my pre-pregnancy clothes no longer fit. So I went shopping for new jeans, dress and underwear the other day. I was glad Victoria Secret had ongoing sale in their store and was able to find the right sizes for me. I know pregnant women gain weight so it didn’t bother me as much as when I was not pregnant. It’s just a bummer sometimes though to see lots of friends on Facebook that are currently on different types of weight loss programs such as 7 day fat burner extreme and are successfully losing weight for the summer. But anyway, I know I can start my own weight loss regimen as well hopefully next year.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Health insurance might not be sufficient

Nobody wants to get sick. But no matter how much we try, we just could not stay perfectly healthy and free from sickness all the time. It’s a fact of life that we have to accept. However, we can do certain things that would help us deal with future health problems like setting aside a health savings account. Most, if not all people in the US have health insurance coverage. Unfortunately, insurance companies are also business entities so they need to make profit. This is why most health insurance policies can be very complex. They don’t just cover everything. In anticipation of this scenario, it’s but wise to set aside funds for emergency health purposes. It’s easier said than done though considering the day to day expenses and basic family needs. But the fact remains that it helps a lot when you think ahead and make the best plans for future needs.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

A country feel in your own home

I’ve always admired people who take time to decorate their homes and arrange their furniture in a way that makes the house looks lovely and alive. I’ll have to admit I don’t have the talent, energy and the patience to intricately well thought-out how to arrange stuff and what to hang on the walls in the house. It’s my sister and mom who had that talent in the family. I get some inspirations from them and apply it occasionally. I don’t decorate our house very well, but I must say I try to make it simple, clean and livable. Recently, we went to a very homey and country style restaurant and got attracted with the bamboo blinds they use as their window shades. It created a relaxing ambience to the place and I was just wondering if there are actually people who use country-style themes to decorate their abode. I haven’t seen one yet but the idea doesn’t sound absurd, does it?